MASNsports.com is your online home for the latest Orioles and Nationals news, features, and commentary. And now, you can connect with MASN on every digital level. From web and social media to our new mobile alert service, MASN has got all the bases covered.
Get the latest breaking news direct to your phone with our mobile texting service.
As you might have heard, head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on his radio show last night that the Ravens do indeed have some interest in former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who was officially waived yesterday.
Harbaugh said that the Ravens won't put in a waiver claim on Merriman because of salary issues, but if he clears waivers, as I had written yesterday, Baltimore is a possible destination for the former University of Maryland star.
Teams have until 4 p.m. today to put in claims for Merriman, and if none come, he'll become a free agent.
How much does Merriman have left in the tank at 26 years old after numerous injuries? We might find out.
Meanwhile, while the Dolphins will enter M&T Bank Stadium this Sunday riding an impressive road winning streak, the Ravens will come in with a streak of their own.
In their last eight games coming off a bye, Baltimore is a sparkling 7-1, including 2-0 with Harbaugh as head coach. In home games after the bye, the Ravens are 5-0 dating back to the 2002 season.
There isn't a complicated formula to why the Ravens have been so impressive after the bye. They're rested, have a chance to recover from injuries, and get an extra week to prepare for their next opponent.
Many teams around the league have had similar success after their bye week. In fact, the Ravens' .875 post-bye winning percentage since 2002 is only fourth-best in the NFL, behind the Eagles, Colts and Patriots.
We've already seen this season how a bye week can drive a team in the right direction.
The Ravens' last two games came against teams coming off their bye; the Patriots wore down Baltimore in the fourth quarter and overtime and earned a big home win, while the winless Bills followed their bye week by nearly shocking the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium two weeks ago.
Harbaugh and the Ravens hope to continue the bye week success stories this Sunday. With the team rested, Todd Heap and Derrick Mason getting healthier, and Donte' Stallworth possibly following the week off by making his 2010 debut, the Ravens are already seeing the effects of what a handful of days away from football can do for a team.
